Video messaging

ABSTRACT

Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between users of a communications system by receiving, at an instant messaging host, a video file from a sender and intended for a recipient; authenticating the video file; and sending the video file to the intended recipient.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/615,036 filed Sep. 13, 2012, entitled “Limited Length VideoMessaging” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/316,362 filed Dec. 9, 2011, entitled “Video Messaging,” which is nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,918,727,which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/118,187, filed May 27, 2011, which is now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,678, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/911,799, filed Jul. 25, 2001, which is now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 7,984,098, which claims priority from U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/220,648, filed Jul. 25, 2000. Each of theaforementioned patent(s), and applications(s) are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to transferring electronic databetween subscribers of a communications system and more particularly totransferring video instant messages between subscribers of an instantmessaging host.

BACKGROUND

Online service providers offer new services and upgrade existingservices to enhance their subscribers' online experience. Subscribershave on-demand access to news, weather, financial, sports, andentertainment services as well as the ability to transmit electronicmessages and to participate in online discussion groups. For example,subscribers of online service providers such as America Online orCompuServe may view and retrieve information on a wide variety of topicsfrom servers located throughout the world. A server may be maintained bythe service provider or by a third party provider who makes informationand services available through the worldwide network of computers thatmake up the online service.

America Online has provided subscribers with the ability to send andreceive instant messages. Instant messages are private onlineconversations between two or more people who have subscribed to theinstant messaging service and have installed the necessary software.Because such online conversations take place virtually in real time,instant messaging can provide immediate access to desired information.Instant messaging is becoming a preferred means of communicating amongonline subscribers.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, electronic data is transferred between users of acommunications system by enabling instant messaging communicationbetween a sender and at least one recipient through an instant messaginghost. In addition, video communication is enabled between the sender andthe recipient through the instant messaging host.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, implementations may include receiving and authenticating a textinstant message from the sender at the instant messaging host;determining capabilities of the recipient; reporting the capabilities ofthe recipient; receiving a request to establish video communication fromthe sender and/or the recipient; and/or authenticating the request.Authenticating may include identifying a screen name and/or an IPaddress of the sender and/or the recipient.

Determining capabilities of the recipient may include identifyinghardware or software associated with the recipient. A user interface maybe displayed according to the capabilities of the recipient.

Video communication may be enabled by establishing a generic signalinginterface channel, a control channel, and an audio channel between thesender and the recipient. The control channel may include a TCP/IPsocket. The audio channel may include a UDP or TCP channel.

These and other general aspects may be implemented by an apparatusand/or by a computer program stored on a computer readable medium. Thecomputer readable medium may comprise a disc, a client device, a hostdevice, and/or a propagated signal. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the following description, including the drawings, andfrom the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system.

FIGS. 2-5 are block diagrams of expansions of aspects of thecommunications system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a communications method that may beimplemented by the communications systems of FIGS. 1-5.

FIGS. 7-13 are illustrations of different graphical user interfaces thatmay be presented by the communications systems of FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1-5 show aspects of a communicationssystem for transferring electronic data between a client and a host. Forbrevity, several elements in the figures are represented as monolithicentities. Such elements, however, may represent numerous interconnectedcomputer systems and/or components. An addressing scheme such as, forexample, Uniform Resource Locators (“URLs”) may be used to define thelocation and type of each element and/or component of the communicationssystem.

The terms “client” and “host” generally refer to a role as a requesterof data (client) or a provider of data (host). For example, datarequested by a client may be transferred directly or indirectly from ahost through a network and, finally, to the client. Elements of thecommunications system, however, may request data in one transaction andprovide data in another transaction, thus having dual and/or changingroles.

Referring to FIG. 1, a communications system 100 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging data between a client system 105 and a hostsystem 110 through a communications link 115. The client system 105 mayinclude one or more client devices 120 and/or client controllers 125,and the host system 110 may include one or more host devices 135 and/orhost controllers 140. For example, the client system 105 or the hostsystem 110 may include one or more general-purpose computers (e.g.,personal computers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g.,devices specifically programmed to communicate with each other and/orthe client system 105 or the host system 110), or a combination of oneor more general-purpose computers and one or more special-purposecomputers. The client system 105 and the host system 110 may be arrangedto operate within or in concert with one or more other systems, such as,for example, one or more local area networks (“LANs”) and/or one or morewide area networks (“WANs”). The client device 120, the clientcontroller 125, the host device 135, and the host controller 140 eachmay include one or more hardware components and/or software components.

In general, a device (e.g., client device 120 and/or host device 135)executes instructions under the command of a controller (e.g., clientcontroller 125 and/or host controller 140) and is connected to suchcontroller by a wired and/or wireless data pathway (e.g., pathway 130and/or pathway 145) capable of delivering data. An example of a device(e.g., client device 120 and/or host device 135) is a general-purposecomputer (e.g., a personal computer, server) capable of responding toand executing instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include aspecial-purpose computer, a workstation, a component, other physical orvirtual equipment and/or some combination thereof capable of respondingto and executing instructions and/or capable of peer-to-peercommunications.

An example of a controller (e.g., client controller 125 and/or hostcontroller 140) is a software application for commanding and directingcommunications. Other examples include a program, a piece of code, aninstruction, a computer, a computer system, and/or a combinationthereof, for independently or collectively instructing a device (e.g.,client device 120 and/or host device 135) to interact and operate asdescribed. A controller (e.g., client controller 125 and/or hostcontroller 140) may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any typeof machine, component, physical or virtual equipment, storage medium, orpropagated signal capable of providing instructions to a device (e.g.,client device and/or host device 135).

The communications link 115 may include a delivery network 160 fordirectly or indirectly connecting the client system 105 and the hostsystem 110, irrespective of physical separation. The delivery network160 may include one or more interconnected networks such as, forexample, the Internet, the World Wide Web (“Web”), a WAN, a LAN, ananalog and/or a digital wired or wireless telephone network (e.g., PSTN,ISDN, and xDSL), a radio network, a television network, a cable network,a satellite network, and/or any other delivery mechanism for carryingdata. The delivery network 160 also may include several intermediateand/or routing devices, such as, for example, proxy servers, bridges,and routers. The communications link 115 may include one or morecommunication pathways (e.g., pathway 150 and/or pathway 155) thatenable communications through the delivery network 160. Eachcommunication pathway (e.g., pathway 150 and/or pathway 155) mayinclude, for example, a wired, wireless, cable or satellitecommunication pathway.

FIG. 2 illustrates a communications system 200 including a client system205 communicating with a host system 210 through a communications link215. The client system 205 may include one or more client devices 220and one or more client controllers 225 for controlling the clientdevices 220. The host system 210 may include one or more host devices235 and one or more host controllers 240 for controlling the hostdevices 235. The communications link 215 may include communicationpathways 250, 255 enabling communications through the one or moredelivery networks 260.

Examples of each element within the communications system of FIG. 2 arebroadly described above with respect to FIG. 1. In particular, the hostsystem 210 and communications link 215 may have attributes comparable tothose described with respect to host system 110 and communications link115 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the client system 205 of FIG. 2 may haveattributes comparable to and illustrates one possible implementation ofthe client system 105 of FIG. 1.

In one implementation, the client device 220 includes a general-purposecomputer 270 having an internal or external storage 272 for storing dataand programs such as an operating system 274 (e.g., DOS, Windows™,Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, Windows Mc™, Windows XP™,Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or more application programs.Examples of application programs include authoring applications 276(e.g., word processing, database programs, spreadsheet programs, orgraphics programs) capable of generating documents or other electroniccontent; client applications 278 (e.g., AOL client, CompuServe client,AIM client, AOL TV client, or ISP client) capable of communicating withother computer users, accessing various computer resources, and viewing,creating, or otherwise manipulating electronic content; and browserapplications 280 (e.g., Netscape's Navigator, Microsoft's InternetExplorer, Java's microbrowser) capable of rendering Internet content.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central processing unit282 (“CPU”) for executing instructions in response to commands from theclient controller 225. The client controller 225 may include one or moreof the application programs installed on the internal or externalstorage 272 of the general-purpose computer 270. The client controller225 also may include application programs externally stored in andperformed by one or more device(s) external to the general-purposecomputer 270.

The general-purpose computer 270 includes a communication device 284 forsending and receiving data. One example of the communication device 284is a modem. Other examples include a transceiver, a set-top box, acommunication card, a satellite dish, an antenna, or another networkadapter capable of transmitting and receiving data over thecommunications link 215 through a wired or wireless data pathway 250.The general-purpose computer 270 also may include a television (“TV”)tuner 286 for receiving TV programming in the form of a broadcastreception, satellite transmission, and/or cable signal. As a result, theclient device 220 can selectively and/or simultaneously display networkcontent received by communications device 284 and television programmingcontent received by the TV tuner 286.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes an input/output interface288 for wired or wireless connection to various peripheral devices 290.Examples of peripheral devices 290 include, but are not limited to, amouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a personal digital assistant 293 (“PDA”),an MP3 player (not shown), a keyboard 294, a display monitor 295 with orwithout a touch screen input, a TV remote control 296 for receivinginformation from and rendering information to subscribers, and anaudiovisual input device 298 (e.g., Web cam, video camera, microphone,speakers).

Although FIG. 2 illustrates devices such as a mobile telephone 292, aPDA 293, an MP3 player (not shown), and a TV remote control 296 as beingperipheral with respect to the general-purpose computer 270, in anotherimplementation, such devices may themselves include the functionality ofthe general-purpose computer 270 and operate as the client device 220.For example, the mobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include computingand networking capabilities and function as a client device 220 byaccessing the delivery network 260 and communicating with the hostsystem 210. Furthermore, the client system 205 may include one, some orall of the components and devices described above.

Referring to FIG. 3, a communications system 300 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 305 and ahost system 310 through a communication link 315. The client system 305may include one or more client devices 320 and one or more clientcontrollers 325 for controlling the client devices 320. The host system310 may include one or more host devices 335 and one or more hostcontrollers 340 for controlling the host devices 335. The communicationslink 315 may include communication pathways 350, 355 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 360.

Examples of each element within the communications system of FIG. 3 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular,the client system 305 and the communications link 315 may haveattributes comparable to those described with respect to client systems105 and 205 and communications links 115 and 215 of FIGS. 1 and 2.Likewise, the host system 310 of FIG. 3 may have attributes comparableto and illustrates one possible implementation of the host systems 110and 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The host system 310 includes a host device 335 and a host controller340. The host controller 340 is generally capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 335. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 340 includes one ormore software applications loaded on the host device 335. In otherimplementations, as described above, the host controller 340 may includeany of several other programs, machines, and devices operatingindependently or collectively to control the host device 335.

The host device 335 includes a login server 370 for enabling access bysubscribers and for routing communications between the client system 305and other elements of the host device 335. The host device 335 alsoincludes various host complexes such as the depicted OSP (“OnlineService Provider”) host complex 380 and IM (“Instant Messaging”) hostcomplex 390. To enable access to these host complexes by subscribers,the client system 305 includes communication software, for example, anOSP client application and an IM client application. The OSP and IMcommunication software applications are designed to facilitate thesubscriber's interactions with the respective services and, inparticular, may provide access to all the services available within therespective host complexes.

Typically, the OSP host complex 380 supports different services, such asemail, discussion groups, chat, news services, and Internet access. TheOSP host complex 380 is generally designed with an architecture thatenables the machines within the OSP host complex 380 to communicate witheach other and employs certain protocols (i.e., standards, formats,conventions, rules, and structures) to transfer data. Examples ofprotocols include, but are not limited to hypertext transfer protocol(“HTTP”), user datagram protocol (“UDP”), and/or layer two tunnelingprotocol (“L2TP”). The OSP host complex 380 also may employ one or moreproprietary OSP protocols and custom dialing engines to enable access byselected client applications. The OSP host complex 380 may define one ormore specific protocols for each service based on an underlyingprotocol.

The IM host complex 390 may be independent of or included in the OSPhost complex 380. The IM host complex 390 may support instant messagingservices for OSP subscribers as well as for subscribers to othernetworks. Thus, the IM host complex 390 may enable instant messagingirrespective of an IM subscriber's Internet service provider. The IMhost complex 390 also may support associated services, such asadministrative support, advertising, directory services, chat, andinterest groups related to the instant messaging. The IM host complex390 has an architecture that enables all of the machines within the IMhost complex 390 to communicate with each other. The IM host complex mayemploy one or more standard and/or proprietary protocols to transferdata.

The host device 335 may include one or more gateways (e.g., OSP hostcomplex gateway 385 and/or IM host complex gateway 395) that connect andlink complexes (e.g., the OSP host complex 380 and the IM host complex390. Such gateways may directly or indirectly link host complexesthrough wired and/or wireless pathways. Ordinarily, when used tofacilitate a link between complexes, a gateway (e.g., OSP host complexgateway 385 and/or IM host complex gateway 395) is privy to informationregarding the protocol type anticipated by a destination complex, whichenables any necessary protocol conversion to be performed incident tothe transfer of data from one complex to another. For instance, the OSPhost complex 380 and IM host complex 390 may use different protocolssuch that transferring data between the complexes requires protocolconversion by or at the request of a gateway (e.g., OSP host complexgateway 385 and/or the IM host complex gateway 395).

Referring to FIG. 4, a communications system 400 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 405 and ahost system 410 through a communication link 415. The client system 405may include one or more client devices 420 and one or more clientcontrollers 425 for controlling the client devices 420. The host system410 may include one or more host devices 435 and one or more hostcontrollers 440 for controlling the host devices 435. The communicationslink 415 may include communication pathways 450, 455 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 460. As shown,the client system 405 may access the Internet 465 through the hostsystem 410.

Examples of each element within the communications system of FIG. 4 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. In particular, theclient system 405 and the communications link 415 may have attributescomparable to those described with respect to client systems 105, 205,and 305 and communications links 115, 215, and 315 of FIGS. 1-3.Likewise, the host system 410 of FIG. 4 may have attributes comparableto and illustrates one possible implementation of the host systems 110,210, and 310 shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 describes an aspect of the hostsystem 410, focusing primarily on one particular implementation of OSPhost complex 480.

The client system 405 includes a client device 420 and a clientcontroller 425. The client controller 425 is generally capable ofestablishing a connection to the host system 410, including the OSP hostcomplex 480, the IM host complex 490 and/or the Internet 465. In oneimplementation, the client controller 425 includes an OSP applicationfor communicating with servers in the OSP host complex 480 usingexclusive OSP protocols. The client controller 425 also may includeapplications, such as an IM client application, and/or an Internetbrowser application, for communicating with the IM host complex 490 andthe Internet 465.

The host system 410 includes a host device 435 and a host controller440. In general, the host controller 440 is capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 435. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 440 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 435. In other implementations, as described above, the hostcontroller 440 may include any of several other programs, machines, anddevices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 435.

The host system 410 includes a login server 470 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 405 tovarious elements of the host system 410, including an OSP host complex480 and an IM host complex 490. The login server 470 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 480 and the IM host complex 490. The OSP host complex480 and the IM host complex 490 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 485 and one or more IM host complex gateways 495.Each OSP host complex gateway 485 and IM host complex gateway 495 mayperform any protocol conversions necessary to enable communicationsbetween the OSP host complex 480, the IM host complex 490, and theInternet 465.

The OSP host complex 480 supports a set of services from one or moreservers located internal to and external from the OSP host complex 480.Servers external to the OSP host complex 480 generally may be viewed asexisting on the Internet 465. Servers internal to the OSP complex 480may be arranged in one or more configurations. For example, servers maybe arranged in centralized or localized clusters in order to distributeservers and subscribers within the OSP host complex 480.

In one implementation of FIG. 4, the OSP host complex 480 includes arouting processor 4802. In general, the routing processor 4802 willexamine an address field of a data request, use a mapping table todetermine the appropriate destination for the data request, and directthe data request to the appropriate destination. In a packet-basedimplementation, the client system 405 may generate information requests,convert the requests into data packets, sequence the data packets,perform error checking and other packet-switching techniques, andtransmit the data packets to the routing processor 4802. Upon receivingdata packets from the client system 405, the routing processor 4802 maydirectly or indirectly route the data packets to a specified destinationwithin or outside of the OSP host complex 480. For example, in the eventthat a data request from the client system 405 can be satisfied locally,the routing processor 4802 may direct the data request to a local server4804. In the event that the data request cannot be satisfied locally,the routing processor 4802 may direct the data request externally to theInternet 465 or the IM host complex 490 through the gateway 485.

The OSP host complex 480 also includes a proxy server 4806 for directingdata requests and/or otherwise facilitating communication between theclient system 405 and the Internet 465. The proxy server 4806 mayinclude an IP (“Internet Protocol”) tunnel for converting data from OSPprotocol into standard Internet protocol and transmitting the data tothe Internet 465. The IP tunnel also converts data received from theInternet 465 in the standard Internet protocol back into the OSPprotocol and sends the converted data to the routing processor 4802 fordelivery back to the client system 405.

The proxy server 4806 also may allow the client system 405 to usestandard Internet protocols and formatting to access the OSP hostcomplex 480 and the Internet 465. For example, the subscriber may use anOSP TV client application having an embedded browser applicationinstalled on the client system 405 to generate a request in standardInternet protocol, such as HTTP. In a packet-based implementation, datapackets may be encapsulated inside a standard Internet tunnelingprotocol, such as UDP, for example, and routed to the proxy server 4806.The proxy server 4806 also may include an L2TP tunnel capable ofestablishing a point-to-point protocol (“PPP”) session with the clientsystem 405.

The proxy server 4806 may act as a buffer between the client system 405and the Internet 465, and may implement content filtering and timesaving techniques. For example, the proxy server 4806 can check parentalcontrols settings of the client system 405 and request and transmitcontent from the Internet 465 according to the parental controlsettings. In addition, the proxy server 4806 may include one or morecaches for storing frequently accessed information. If requested data isdetermined to be stored in the caches, the proxy server 4806 may sendthe information to the client system 405 from the caches and avoid theneed to access the Internet 465.

Referring to FIG. 5, a communications system 500 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging information between a client system 505 and ahost system 510 through a communication link 515. The client system 505may include one or more client devices 520 and one or more clientcontrollers 525 for controlling the client devices 520. The host system510 may include one or more host devices 535 and one or more hostcontrollers 540 for controlling the host devices 535. The communicationslink 515 may include communication pathways 550, 555 enablingcommunications through the one or more delivery networks 560. As shown,the client system 505 may access the Internet 565 through the hostsystem 510.

Examples of each element within the communications system of FIG. 5 arebroadly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In particular, theclient system 505 and the communications link 515 may have attributescomparable to those described with respect to client systems 105, 205,305, and 405 and communications links 115, 215, 315, and 415 of FIGS.1-4. Likewise, the host system 510 of FIG. 5 may have attributescomparable to and illustrates one possible implementation of the hostsystems 110, 210, 310, and 410 shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 describes anaspect of the host system 510, focusing primarily on one particularimplementation of the IM host complex 590.

The client system 505 includes a client device 520 and a clientcontroller 525. In general, the client controller 525 is capable ofestablishing a connection to the host system 510, including the OSP hostcomplex 580, the IM host complex 590 and/or the Internet 565. In oneimplementation, the client controller 525 includes an IM application forcommunicating with servers in the IM host complex 590 utilizingexclusive (i.e., proprietary) IM protocols. The client controller 525also may include applications, such as an OSP client application, and/oran Internet browser application for communicating with the OSP hostcomplex 580 and the Internet 565, respectively.

The host system 510 includes a host device 535 and a host controller540. In general, the host controller 540 is capable of transmittinginstructions to any or all of the elements of the host device 535. Forexample, in one implementation, the host controller 540 includes one ormore software applications loaded on one or more elements of the hostdevice 535. However, in other implementations, as described above, thehost controller 540 may include any of several other programs, machines,and devices operating independently or collectively to control the hostdevice 535.

The host system 510 includes a login server 570 capable of enablingcommunications with and authorizing access by client systems 505 tovarious elements of the host system 510, including an OSP host complex580 and an IM host complex 590. The login server 570 may implement oneor more authorization procedures to enable simultaneous access to theOSP host complex 580 and the IM host complex 590. The OSP host complex580 and the IM host complex 590 are connected through one or more OSPhost complex gateways 585 and one or more IM host complex gateways 595.Each OSP host complex gateway 585 and IM host complex gateway 595 mayperform any necessary protocol conversions to enable communication amongthe OSP host complex 580, the IM host complex 590, and/or the Internet565.

In one implementation, to begin an instant messaging session, the clientsystem 505 accesses the IM host complex 590 and establishes a connectionto the login server 570. The login server 570 determines whether theparticular subscriber is authorized to access the IM host complex 590 byverifying a subscriber identification and password. If the subscriber isauthorized to access the IM host complex 590, the login server 570employs a hashing technique on the subscriber's screen name to identifya particular IM server 5902 for use during the subscriber's session. Thelogin server 570 provides the client system 505 with the IP address ofthe particular IM server 5902, gives the client system 505 an encryptedkey (i.e., a cookie), and breaks the connection. The client system 505then uses the IP address to establish a connection to the particular IMserver 5902 through the communications link 515, and obtains access tothat IM server 5902 using the encrypted key. The client system 505 maybe equipped with a Winsock application programming interface (“API”)that enables the client system 505 to establish an open transmissioncontrol protocol (“TCP”) connection to the IM server 5902.

Once a connection to the IM server 5902 has been established, the clientsystem 505 may directly or indirectly transmit data to and accesscontent from the IM server 5902 and one or more associated domainservers 5904. The IM server 5902 supports the fundamental instantmessaging services and the domain servers 5904 may support associatedservices, such as, for example, administrative matters, directoryservices, chat and interest groups. In general, the purpose of thedomain servers 5904 is to lighten the load placed on the IM server 5902by assuming responsibility for some of the services within the IM hostcomplex 590. By accessing the IM server 5902 and/or the domain server5904, a subscriber can use the IM client application to view whetherparticular subscribers (“buddies”) are online, exchange instant messageswith particular subscribers, participate in group chat rooms, tradefiles such as pictures, invitations or documents, find other subscriberswith similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, and searchthe World Wide Web.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM server 5902 is directly orindirectly connected to a routing gateway 5906. The routing gateway 5906facilitates the connection between the IM server 5902 and one or morealert MUXs (“MUXs”) 5908, for example, by serving as a link minimizationtool or hub to connect several IM servers 5902 to several alert MUXs5908. In general, an alert MUX 5908 maintains a record of alerts andsubscribers registered to receive the alerts.

Once the client system 505 is connected to the alert MUX 5908, asubscriber can register for and/or receive one or more types of alerts.The connection pathway between the client system 505 and the alert MUX5908 is determined by employing another hashing technique at the IMserver 5902 to identify the particular alert MUX 5908 to be used for thesubscriber's session. Once the particular MUX 5908 has been identified,the IM server 5902 provides the client system 505 with the IP address ofthe particular alert MUX 5908 and gives the client system 505 anencrypted key (i.e., a cookie). The client system 505 then uses the IPaddress to connect to the particular alert MUX 5908 through thecommunication link 515 and obtains access to the alert MUX 5908 usingthe encrypted key.

The alert MUX 5908 is connected to an alert gate 5910 that, like the IMhost complex gateway 595, is capable of performing the necessaryprotocol conversions to form a bridge to the OSP host complex 580. Thealert gate 5910 is the interface between the IM host complex 590 and thephysical servers, such as servers in the OSP host complex 580, wherestate changes are occurring. In general, the information regarding statechanges will be gathered and used by the IM host complex 590. However,the alert MUX 5908 also may communicate with the OSP host complex 580through the IM host complex gateway 595, for example, to provide theservers and subscribers of the OSP host complex 580 with certaininformation gathered from the alert gate 5910.

The alert gate 5910 can detect an alert feed corresponding to aparticular type of alert. The alert gate 5910 may include a piece ofcode (i.e., alert receive code) capable of interacting with anotherpiece of code (i.e., alert broadcast code) on the physical server wherea state change occurs. In general, the alert receive code installed onthe alert gate 5910 instructs the alert broadcast code installed on thephysical server to send a feed to the alert gate 5910 upon theoccurrence of a particular state change. Upon detecting a feed, thealert gate 5910 contacts the alert MUX 5908, which in turn, informs theclient system 505 of the detected feed.

In the implementation of FIG. 5, the IM host complex 590 also includes asubscriber profile server 5912 connected to a database 5914 for storinglarge amounts of subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile server5912 may be used to enter, retrieve, edit, manipulate, or otherwiseprocess subscriber profile data. In one implementation, a subscriber'sprofile data includes, for example, the subscriber's buddy list, alertpreferences, designated stocks, identified interests, and geographiclocation. The subscriber may enter, edit and/or delete profile datausing an installed IM client application on the client system 505 tointeract with the subscriber profile server 5912.

Because the subscriber's data is stored in the IM host complex 590, thesubscriber does not have to reenter or update such information in theevent that the subscriber accesses the IM host complex 590 using a newand/or different client system 505. Accordingly, when a subscriberaccesses the IM host complex 590, the IM server 5902 can instruct thesubscriber profile server 5912 to retrieve the subscriber's profile datafrom the database 5914 and to provide, for example, the subscriber'sbuddy list to the IM server 5902 and the subscriber's alert preferencesto the alert MUX 5908. The subscriber profile server 5912 also maycommunicate with other servers in the OSP host complex 580 to sharesubscriber profile data with other services. Alternatively, user profiledata may be saved locally on the client device 505.

Referring to FIG. 6, a sender 602 a, a recipient 602 b, and a host 604transfer video data according to a procedure 600. The procedure 600 maybe implemented by any suitable type of hardware (e.g., device, computer,computer system, equipment, component); software (e.g., program,application, instructions, code); storage medium (e.g., disk, externalmemory, internal memory, propagated signal); or combination thereof.

Examples of each element of FIG. 6 are broadly described with respect toFIGS. 1-5 above. In particular, the sender 602 a and the recipient 602 bmay have attributes comparable to those described with respect to clientdevices 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 and/or client controllers 125, 225,325, 425, and 525. The host 604 may have attributes comparable to thosedescribed with respect to host device 135, 235, 335, 435, and 535 and/orhost controllers 140, 240, 340, 440, and 540. The sender 602 a, therecipient 602 b, and/or the host 604 may be directly or indirectlyinterconnected through a known or described delivery network.

In one implementation, the sender 602 a is associated with a firstsubscriber and the recipient 602 b is associated with a secondsubscriber, and each of the sender 602 a and the recipient 602 b includea client application for accessing the host 604. Each subscriber may usethe client application to set individual preferences for allowingmessages and/or files to be transferred to and from other subscribers.Typically, a graphical user interface (“UI”) is displayed that allowseach subscriber to select among various levels of security and/or togrant (or deny) access to others subscribers. A subscriber's transferpreferences may be maintained locally at the client or remotely at thehost 604. In this example, the transfer preferences are set to allowmessages and files to be transferred between the sender 602 a and therecipient 602 b.

In order to communicate using instant messaging, the sender 602 a andthe recipient 602 b must be accessing the host 604 at the same time. Toaccess the host 604, the sender 602 a and the recipient 602 b each senda separate request to the host 604. The request identifies theassociated subscriber to the host 604 and to other subscribers using aunique screen name. The host 604 verifies a subscriber's information(e.g., screen name and password) against data stored in a subscriberdatabase. If the subscriber's information is verified, the host 604authorizes access. If the subscriber's information is not verified, thehost 604 denies access and sends an error message.

After being authorized, the sender 602 a and the recipient 602 b cancommunicate over a direct (i.e., socket) connection established throughthe host 604. The sender 602 a and the recipient 602 b use theconnection to communicate with the host 604 and with each other. Theconnection remains open during the time that the sender 602 a and therecipient 602 b are accessing the host 604. The sender 602 a and therecipient 602 b each may include a Winsock API for opening andestablishing a TCP connection to the host 604.

Upon accessing the host 604, a “buddy list” is displayed to thesubscriber. In general, a subscriber's buddy list is a user interfacethat lists the online status and capabilities of certain screen names,i.e., “buddies,” identified by the subscriber. In particular, the host604 informs the sender whether identified buddies are online, i.e.,currently accessing the host 604. The host 604 also informs anysubscriber who has identified the sender as a buddy that the sender iscurrently online. The buddy list also facilitates instant messagingcommunication between subscribers. A subscriber can activate an instantmessaging message user interface pre-addressed to a buddy simply byclicking the screen name of a buddy on the buddy list. If a recipient isnot a “buddy,” the first subscriber must activate a blank instantmessaging user interface and then address it to the screen name of theintended recipient. When necessary, a subscriber can look up the screenname of an intended recipient using the intended recipient's e-mailaddress. In addition to exchanging instant messages with online buddies,the sender may participate in group chat rooms, locate other subscriberswith similar interests, get customized news and stock quotes, search theWeb, and transfer files to and from other subscribers.

Video messaging (i.e., video-enabled instant messaging) further extendsthe functionality of instant messaging by allowing the sender 602 a andthe recipient 602 b to communicate peer to peer using video, i.e.,camera, microphone, and speaker. In the implementation of FIG. 6, asender 602 a, a recipient 602 b, and a host 604 interact according to aprocedure 600 to send and receive a video message (i.e., video instantmessage).

Initially, the sender 602 a accesses the host 604 (step 606). In oneimplementation, the sender 602 a is a subscriber and/or a client (e.g.,client system 505) and the host 604 includes one or more host complexes(e.g., OSP host complex 580 and/or IM host complex 590) for providinginstant messaging capability and coordinating the transfer of electronicdata between subscribers. The sender 602 a may access the host 604 usingany available device (e.g., computer, PC, laptop, appliance, pager, PDA,interactive TV, telephone) and/or a controller (e.g., software program,client application, browser application).

The sender 602 a designates at least one recipient 602 b to receive aninstant message (step 608), generates an instant message (step 610) andthen transmits the instant message to the host 604 (step 612). Theinstant message may be, for example, a text instant message or othernon-video instant message (e.g., voice message) created by the sender602 a. The recipient 602 b may be a subscriber and/or client (e.g.,client system 505) capable of accessing the host 604 using a device(e.g., computer, PC, laptop, appliance, pager, PDA, interactive TV,telephone) and/or a controller (e.g., software program, clientapplication, browser application). In one implementation, a screen nameassociated with the intended recipient 602 b has been identified as a“buddy” of the sender 602 a, and a UI (e.g., buddy list) indicating theonline status and capabilities of the recipient 602 b is displayed tothe sender 602 a. Thus, the sender 602 a can confirm that the recipientis able to communicate (i.e., is online) and then open an IM box byselecting (e.g., clicking) the screen name associated with the recipient602 b. After composing an instant message and clicking a Send button,the sender 602 a transmits the instant message to the host 604 (step612).

The host 604 receives the instant message from the sender 602 a (step614) and then authenticates the instant message (step 616). In oneimplementation, the instant message includes header informationidentifying the message type, the screen name and/or IP address of thesender 602 a and the recipient 602 b, and a randomly generated securitynumber. A server (e.g., IM server 5902) on the host 604 may authenticatethe instant message by matching the screen names and/or IP addresseswith those of valid subscribers stored in a reverse look-up table. Inthe event that either the sender 602 a or recipient 602 b is notassociated with a valid subscriber, the host 604 reports an errormessage.

After authenticating the instant message (step 616), the host 604detects the capabilities of the recipient (step 618) and reports thecapabilities of the recipient 602 b to the sender 602 a (step 620). Inone implementation, a network of servers (e.g., IM servers 5902) on thehost 604 monitors and updates the online status, client version, anddevice type of connected subscribers in real time. The capability to usevideo messaging (i.e., to receive a video instant message) may depend onfactors such as a subscriber's hardware (e.g., device type), software(e.g., client version), and/or transfer preferences (e.g., blockedscreen names). In general, to be video-enabled, the necessary software(e.g., video-enabled IM client application) and video equipment (e.g.,audiovisual input device 298) must be available to the sender 602 a andthe recipient 602 b.

Next, the sender 602 a receives the report from the host 604 (step 622)and displays a UI corresponding to the capabilities of the sender 602 aand/or the recipient 602 b (step 624). In general, if the sender 602 a(e.g., client system 505) is not video-enabled, the sender 602 adisplays a standard instant messaging UI. If the sender 602 a isvideo-enabled, then the sender 602 a displays a video-enabled UI. In oneimplementation, shown in FIG. 7, a Video Messaging Buddy List UI 700includes a buddy list 702 and a Video Message button 704 for instructingthe host 604 to request a video message connection when clicked. The UI700 also may include other buttons (not shown) corresponding toadditional capabilities (e.g., voice IM) of the sender 602 a and/or therecipient 602 b.

In another implementation, shown in FIG. 8, a Start Video Message UI 800includes an IM window 805 for displaying a running transcript of an IMsession, a text message area 810 for entering the text of an instantmessage, and an IM toolbar 812 for changing text or background colors,changing text size, emphasizing text (e.g., bold, italic, orunderlining), and inserting objects (e.g., emoticons, hyperlinks,images). The Start Video Message UI 800 also includes IM buttons 814 forperforming IM functions such as sending instant messages, canceling aninstant message or IM session, getting the profile of a sender, andnotifying the OSP of offending conduct. In addition, the Start VideoMessage UI 800 includes a notification 816 and a Start VM (VideoMessage) button 818 for instructing the host 604 to request a videomessage connection when clicked.

After reporting the capabilities of the recipient 602 b to the sender602 a (step 620) or at any time after authenticating the instant message(step 616), the host 604 sends the instant message to the recipient 602b (step 626). The recipient 602 b accepts the instant message from thehost 604 (step 628) and displays a UI corresponding to the capabilitiesof the sender 602 a and/or the recipient 602 b (step 630). In general,if the recipient 602 b is not video-enabled, then the recipient 602 bdisplays a standard instant messaging UI. If the recipient 602 b isvideo-enabled, the recipient 602 b displays a video messaging UI (e.g.,UI 700, UI 800).

In the event both the sender 602 a and the recipient 602 b arevideo-enabled, either can initiate a video message session. In theimplementation of FIG. 6, the sender 602 a initiates a video messagesession by sending a connect request to the host 604 (step 632). Theconnect request may contain information including, but not limited to,the message type, the screen name and/or IP address of the sender 602 aand recipient 602 b, and a randomly generated security number. Theconnect request may be created and sent automatically by clicking theVideo Message button 710 of the UI 700 and/or the Start VM button 818 ofthe UI 800, for example.

The host 604 receives the connect request from the sender 602 a (step634), authenticates the connect request from the sender 602 a (step636), and then sends the connect request to the recipient 602 b (step638). The host 604 may authenticate the video request, for example, byusing a reverse look-up table to match the screen names and/or IPaddresses with those of valid subscribers. In the event that either thesender 602 a or recipient 602 b is not associated with a validsubscriber, the host 604 reports an error message.

The recipient 602 b receives the connect request (step 640) and thendisplays a UI informing the recipient 602 b that the sender 602 a wantsto engage in a video message session (step 642). In one implementation,shown in FIG. 9, a Connect UI 900 includes an IM window 905 fordisplaying a running transcript of an IM session, a text message area910 for entering the text of an instant message, and an IM toolbar 912for changing text or background colors, changing text size, emphasizingtext (e.g., bold, italic, or underlining), and inserting objects (e.g.,emoticons, hyperlinks, images). The Connect UI 900 also includes JIMbuttons 914 for performing IM functions such as sending instantmessages, canceling an instant message or IM session, getting theprofile of a sender, and notifying the OSP of offending conduct. Inaddition, the Connect UI 900 includes a notification 916 and a connectbutton 918 for authorizing the host 604 to establish a video messageconnection when clicked.

When presented with the connect request, the recipient 602 b may ignorethe connect request, accept the connect request, or cancel the instantmessage session. If the recipient 602 b accepts the connect request(step 644), for example, by clicking the connect button 818, the host604 establishes a video message session (step 646) that allows thesender 602 a to communicate with the recipient 602 b using videomessaging.

After the host 604 establishes a video message session (step 646), thesender 602 a generates a video message (step 648). In oneimplementation, shown in FIG. 10A, the sender 602 a is presented with anInstant Video Message UI 1000. The Instant Video Message UI 1000includes an IM window 1005 for displaying a running transcript of an IMsession and a text message area 1010 for entering the text of an instantmessage. The Instant Video Message UI 100 also includes a send videomessage window 1015 for recording, previewing, and/or sending a videomessage, a transfer indicator 1020 for indicating the transfer of datafrom the sender 602 a, a Record button 1025 to start recording a videomessage, a Send button 1030 to send a recorded video message, and Clearbutton 1035 to delete a recorded video message. A screen name associatedwith the sender 602 a is displayed at the top of the send video messagewindow 1015. The Instant Video Message UI 1000 additionally includes areceive move message window 1040 for viewing a received video messageand a transfer indicator 1045 for indicating the transfer of data to thesender 602 b. A screen name associated with the recipient 602 b isdisplayed at the top of the receive video message window 1040.

Referring to FIG. 10B, a subscriber associated with the sender 602 a(e.g., computer system running a video-enabled instant messaging client)may generate a video message (step 648) by clicking the Record button1025 and speaking a message into video recording equipment such as, forexample, a video camera with a speaker or other recording device (e.g.,audiovisual device 298) capable of capturing sight and sound. In oneimplementation, there are recording restrictions (e.g., time, size,number) for video messages placed on the sender 602 a. The sender 602 a(e.g., IM client application) and/or the host 604 (e.g., IM 5902) mayimpose and/or enforce the recording restrictions. For example, thesender may not be able to record a video message longer than 15 seconds.The client 602 a may be configured, however, to automatically send avideo message when the limit is reached and to begin recording anothervideo message without user intervention.

After recording is complete, the subscriber can preview the generatedvideo message (step 650). In one implementation, the subscriber uses adisplay toolbar 1017 to play, rewind, fast-forward, and/or otherwiseview the recorded video message. If desired, the subscriber can deletethe recorded video message by clicking the clear button 1035 and recorda new video message.

Referring to FIG. 10C, after determining that a recorded video messageis acceptable, for example, by previewing (step 650), the subscriberand/or sender 602 a can send the video message (step 652). In oneimplementation, the subscriber clicks the Send button 1030, whichinitiates the transfer of the video message to the recipient 602 b. Thetransfer indicator 1020 may change colors to indicate that video messagedata is being transmitted.

Referring to FIG. 10D, in one implementation, the Instant Video MessageUI 1000 includes only the send video message window 1015, the transferindicator 1020, the Record button 1025, the Send button 1030, the Clearbutton 1035, the receive move message window 1040, and the transferindicator 1045 to save screen real estate. This implementation may beespecially attractive to a subscriber who does not like to type.

The host 604 receives the video message from the client 602 a (step654). In one implementation, a server (e.g., IM server 5902, DomainServer 5904) on the host 604 is configured to receive video messages.The host 604 (e.g., IM server 5902, Domain Server 5904) thenauthenticates the video message from the sender 602 a (step 656). Thehost 604 may authenticate the video message, for example, by using areverse look-up table to match the screen names and/or IP addressesassociated with the sender 602 a and/or recipient 602 b to those ofvalid subscribers. In the event that either the sender 602 a orrecipient 602 b is not associated with a valid subscriber, the host 604reports an error message.

Next, the host 604 moderates the video message session (step 658). Inone implementation, a server (e.g., IM server 5902, Domain Server 5904)on the host 604 is configured to moderate a video message sessionbetween at least one sender 602 a and at least one recipient 602 b.Moderating may include managing load conditions of the host 604 bycompressing, decompressing, caching, and/or allocating resources toefficiently store and forward video messages. Moderating also mayinclude sampling and filtering video messages based on the capabilitiesand/or preferences of a recipient 602 b. For example, the host 604 maysample a video message to determine viewing requirements and/or contentof the video message. If the host 604 determines that the intendedrecipient 602 b is not capable of or does not wish to view a particularvideo message, the host 604 may discard, modify, and/or otherwise filterthe video message.

Moderating the video message session may include controlling the abilityof at least one recipient 602 b to view a video message. For example,the host 604 may structure the video message session such that one ormore recipients view the video message simultaneously. This type ofcontrol may be useful in a lecture setting in which one sender 602 a isresponsible for a majority of the video messages. Moderating also mayinclude controlling the ability of at least one sender 602 a to transmita video message. For example, when several senders are participating ina video message, the host 604 may limit the ability to transmit a videomessage only to one sender at a time. This type of control may be usefulin a conference setting in which many senders are transmitting videomessages.

Moderating the video message session also may include logging and/orstoring video messages in a queue as they are received. If videomessages are received from several senders, the host 604 may queue thevideo messages according to arrival, according to sender, according totopic, according to relevance, and/or according to any other rankingcriteria. Video messages in the queue may be ordered, deleted, edited,and/or otherwise managed by the host 604.

The host 604 also may allow the video message in the queue to be managedby at least one sender 602 a and/or by at least one recipient 602 b. Inthe implementation shown in FIG. 11, the recipient 602 b displays aInstant Video Message UI 1100 including a video message session window1150, a Start Saving Session button 1152, a storage capacity bar 1154, aPlay button 1156, and a Delete button 1158. When clicked, the StartSaving Session button 1152 requests the 602 b and/or the host 604 tosave the video message session (e.g., pending and viewed videomessages). A video message session may be saved locally at the recipient602 b or remotely at the host 604 (e.g., in a temporary file). Thestorage capacity bar 1154 indicates the percentage of storage capacityused. When the Play button 1156 is clicked, a pending video message canbe played out of order or a viewed video message can be replayed. Whenthe Delete button 1158 is clicked, a pending and/or viewed video messagecan be deleted.

In another implementation, the creator of a video message may decidethat a pending video message has become irrelevant and instruct the host604 to delete the video message from the queue. The host 604 wouldremove the pending video message from the queue and the pending videomessage would disappear from the video message session window 1150displayed by the recipient 602 b.

The host 604 then sends the video message to the recipient 602 b (step660). The host 604 may send the video message to the recipient 602 bwithout user intervention from the recipient 602 b and/or may hold atthe video message until receipt of a request from the recipient 602 b.For example, referring again to FIG. 11, the host 604 may hold the videomessage and send a hypertext message 1007 identifying a pending videomessage to the sender 602 b. The hypertext message 1107 is displayed inthe IM window 1105, and when clicked requests the host 604 to downloadthe pending video message to the recipient 602 b. When the video messageis transferred from the 604 to the recipient 602 b, the transferindicator 1145 may change colors.

The recipient 602 b receives (step 662) and displays (step 664) thevideo message. In one implementation, the video message is displayed inthe receive video message window 1140. The video message may bedisplayed automatically after the hypertext message 1107 is clicked ordelayed until the display toolbar 1142 is clicked. If the hypertextmessage 1107 is clicked again after the video message has been viewed,the video message will be retrieved and replayed. The video message maybe stored by the recipient 602 b as a video file (e.g. QuickTime file orAVI file). Stored video files may be replayed or transferred to otherusers as an e-mail attachment, for example.

In one implementation, an active video messaging session uses threecommunication channels: a Generic Signaling Interface (GSI) channel, aControl channel, and a Video channel. The GSI channel is used by thevideo session to establish the initial connection. During thisconnection, the local IP addresses are exchanged. After the initialconnection phase is done, the GSI channel is no longer used. By usingthe GSI channel, the exchange of local IF addresses is only done whenboth users authorize such an exchange by, for example, clicking on theConnect button 918. These actions protect users from having their localLP address automatically obtained without their consent.

The Control channel is a TCP/IP socket, where the IP address and portnumber of the remote side are obtained through the GSI channel. TheControl channel is used to send/receive control attributes of the videosession while the session is active. For example, because some firewallswill not allow an external connection to a socket on the inside of thefirewall, the video tool attempts a connection from both sides of thesession. This action allows a connection to be made if there is amaximum of one firewall within the connection. If there is a firewall onboth sides, the chances are that no connection can be made and the videosession will fail. To work across two firewalls, the user must obtainthe port range used by video such that one of the firewalls can bemodified to pass the range through.

The Video channel is a TCP/IP socket used to transport video packets.This channel can either be UDP or TCP. In general, UDP is used since itminimizes latency. However, because some firewalls will not allow UDPpackets to pass through, the video channel may have to use TCP. Thevideo tool indicates the mode (i.e., TCP, UDP), or an auto mode where itattempts a UDP test, and upon failure resorts to TCP.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a video tool displays a UI 1200 and a UI1300 for allowing a user to tailor video message functionality. The UI1200 enables the user to control video message compression. The videotool also may include security features to protect the integrity oftransferred data. For example, the video tool may compress data using aproprietary algorithm or may send the data in a proprietary protocol.The UI 1200 also enables the user to control the volume, gain, and levelfor the speaker and microphone.

The UI 1300 enables the user to control the display of the videopicture. For example, the UI 1300 includes settings for white balance,gamma correction, exposure, flicker, flip, and/or other video features.

The video tool may be any type of client controller (e.g., software,application, program) loaded on to a client device. The video toolresponds to user interfaces and translates user commands into theappropriate actions with the client device. For example, the video toolopens, reads, writes, and closes the physical components on the clientdevices needed for video. The video tool also controls video and controlchannels with callbacks being executed to indicate status change.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made. In particular, avideo-enabled IM client can conduct messaging sessions with any type ofIM client capable of messaging. For example, if the recipient 602 b doesnot have the capability to receive a video message, the sender 602 a maystore the video message as a video file and then transfer the video fileto the recipient 602 b. The video file may be transferred as an e-mailattachment or transferred directly through a socket connection asdescribed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/572,952,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this way, asubscriber without camera equipment can still communicate withvideo-enabled IM clients by viewing a transferred video file and thenresponding to the video file by sending an instant message.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications method, comprising: enablinginstant messaging communication between a sender and at least onerecipient through an instant messaging host; and enabling videocommunication between the sender and the recipient through the instantmessaging host.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising receivingand authenticating a text instant from the sender at the instantmessaging host.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein authenticatingcomprises identifying a screen name associated with at least one of thesender and the recipient.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinauthenticating comprises identifying an IP address associated with atleast one of the sender and the recipient.
 5. The method of claim 1further comprising determining capabilities of the recipient at theinstant messaging host.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein determiningcomprises identifying hardware associated with the recipient.
 7. Themethod of claim 5 wherein determining comprises identifying softwareassociated with the recipient.
 8. The method of claim 5 furthercomprising reporting the capabilities of the recipient to the sender. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein the sender displays a user interfaceaccording to the capabilities of the recipient.
 10. The method of claim1 further comprising receiving, at the instant messaging host, a requestto establish video communication.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein therequest is from the sender.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein therequest is from the recipient.
 13. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising authenticating the request.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein authenticating comprises identifying a screen name associatedwith at least one of the sender and the recipient.
 15. The method ofclaim 13 wherein authenticating comprises identifying an IP addressassociated with at least one of the sender and the recipient.
 16. Themethod of claim 1 wherein enabling video communication comprisesestablishing a generic signaling interface channel, a control channel,and a video channel between the sender and the recipient.
 17. The methodof claim 16 wherein the control channel comprises a TCP/IP socket. 18.The method of claim 16 wherein the video channel comprises a UDPchannel.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the video channel comprisesa TCP channel.
 20. A communications apparatus comprising an instantmessaging host configured to: enable instant messaging communicationbetween a sender an at least one recipient; and enable videocommunication between the sender and the recipient.